Gold-Plated vs Gold-Filled Jewellery: What’s the Difference?

What is gold-plated jewellery?

Gold-plated jewellery is a type of jewellery made by applying a very thin layer of gold over a base metal such as copper, silver, or brass. The gold layer is usually applied through a process called electroplating, where an electric current bonds the gold to the surface of the metal.

Gold-plated jewellery is often popular as it offers the appearance of solid gold but can be bought at a much lower cost. Widely available and commonly used in fashion jewellery, gold-plating can come in a variety of gold tones, including yellow, rose, and white gold, and is intended for pieces that will be worn occasionally, rather than for everyday use. However, the layer of gold on plated jewellery is usually very thin, often measuring less than 0.5 microns, so can wear off over time when worn frequently, revealing the base metal below.

What is gold-filled jewellery?

Gold-filled jewellery is made by mechanically bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal, usually brass or sterling silver. Unlike gold-plating, the gold layer in gold-filled jewellery must make up at least 5% of the total weight of the piece, and is applied through a process of heat and pressure bonding to ensure it remains securely attached to the base metal, making it more durable than gold-plated items.

Due to its more substantial gold content, gold-filled jewellery can often maintain its appearance for many years without wearing down easily, making it a popular choice for more everyday pieces such as rings and bracelets.

Gold-plated vs gold-filled: the key differences

There are several key factors that can help us to understand the differences between gold-plated and gold-filled jewellery:

1. Gold content and thickness

• Gold-plated jewellery has a thin surface layer of gold, usually measuring less than 0.5 microns.
• Gold-filled jewellery has a much thicker layer of gold, making up at least 5% of the total weight of the piece.

2. Durability

• Gold-plating can wear off after a few months of regular use, especially if exposed to water, sweat, or chemicals.
• Gold-filled jewellery pieces can last for many years if cared for properly, due to its thick gold layer, making it more ideal for frequently worn items such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

3. Appearance and finish

• Both gold-plated and gold-filled items can look almost identical when they are new, but gold-filled jewellery will usually keep its lustre for longer.
• Gold-plating can wear and fade quickly with regular wear, revealing the base metal underneath.

4. Cost

• Gold-plated jewellery is often more affordable due to the thin layer of gold and the simpler manufacturing process.
• Gold-filled jewellery will usually cost more upfront due to the thicker amount of gold and longer-lasting construction. However, this may offer better value over time as it can last for many years without losing its finish.

Which is better: gold-plated or gold-filled?

Choosing between gold-plated and gold-filled jewellery may depend on your budget, and how often you plan to wear the piece. Although a little more expensive, gold-filled may be the better choice for jewellery you wish to wear often and keep looking new for longer. However, gold-plated may be more suitable for those on a lower budget or for fashion pieces that will only be worn occasionally.

Both gold-plated and gold-filled jewellery have their place, and by understanding the differences, it is simpler to select the right piece to fit your style, budget, and lifestyle.